noun
bowstring
BOH-string
Bowstring (noun) means the string of an archer's bow. Example: “She drew the bowstring back and released the arrow smoothly.”
noun
1
The string of an archer's bow.
"She drew the bowstring back and released the arrow smoothly."
"A worn bowstring can snap without warning."
"He waxed the bowstring before the competition."
How to use bowstring
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA bowstring is the cord stretched across an archer's bow that fires the arrow.
When to use it
It is a plain, everyday word used mainly in archery contexts.
Memory tip
Think of it as simply bow plus string, describing exactly what it is.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
draw the bowstring
taut bowstring
wax a bowstring
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She drew the _____ back and released the arrow smoothly.
Etymology
The word is simply a combination of bow and string, naming the string stretched across a bow.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bowstring?
It is the string of an archer's bow, stretched between the two ends to launch arrows.
Does bowstring have any other meanings?
Historically, the same word described the cord the Turks used to strangle offenders.
Can bowstring be used as a verb?
Yes, to bowstring someone means to strangle them with a bowstring, a sense recorded in older historical accounts.
What is the meaning of bowstring?
"bowstring" (noun) means the string of an archer's bow.
